Cajun Chicken Thighs With Zesty Quinoa Food

CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, honey, mustard, and lemon juice. Reserve the juiced lemon. Whisk in the olive oil.
• Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to 2 days, or 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature.
• Transfer the chicken thighs to a large baking sheet and add the squeezed lemon halves to the pan.*
• Bake at 425 F for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is browned and crispy. If the chicken starts to get too dark before it's fully cooked, cover it loosely with a sheet of foil.

SPICY CAJUN CHICKEN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the chicken with the Cajun spice and arrange in a single layer in a roasting tin. Bake for 20 mins until the chicken is cooked. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, cook the quinoa in the chicken stock for 15 mins until tender, adding the apricots and lentils for the final 5 mins. Drain and place into a large bowl with the chicken, toss together.
• While the quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan and soften the onions for 10-15 mins. Toss the onions into the quinoa with the coriander and some seasoning, then mix well.

GRILLED CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Rinse chicken thighs under cold water, pat dry. Combine Kikkoman Low Sodium Soy Sauce, hot pepper sauce, garlic, onion powder, thyme and red pepper in a plastic zipper bag. Add chicken thighs. Close the bag and turn it to coat chicken. Marinate at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium. Make drainage holes in sheets of Reynolds Wrap Non-Stick Foil with a large grilling fork. Place foil sheets with holes on grill rack with non-stick (dull) side towards food; immediately place chicken on foil. Grill chicken 5 minutes; turn. Continue grilling and turning every 5 minutes until chicken is tender and reaches 180°F, for about 30 minutes.

CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Melt the coconut oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 mins or until they start to soften.
• Increase the heat to high and add the chicken along with the Cajun seasoning. Fry for 3-4 mins more or until the chicken is cooked. (Check by slicing into one of the larger pieces to make sure the meat is white all the way through, with no raw pink bits.)
• Microwave your quinoa following pack instructions. Stir the remaining ingredients through the quinoa, then pile onto a plate and top with the chicken and pepper mix.

CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Make the rub: in a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients.
• Rinse chicken thighs under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
• Coat chicken with the rub, then brush or spray with olive oil.
• Grill the thighs over Direct Medium heat until the meat is firm and the juices run clear, 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time.

CAJUN CHICKEN ONE-POT

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over a medium heat, then add the chicken, season lightly and fry for 6-8 mins, stirring occasionally until just golden all over - no need to worry about it being cooked through at this stage.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins more, then scatter over the Cajun-style seasoning and stir so the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Tip in the tomatoes, a quarter of a can of water and the stock cube. Stir, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 mins.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for a minute less than pack instructions. Stir the cream into the chicken and continue to simmer gently. When the pasta is cooked, drain well and stir into chicken mixture. Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce over a low heat for 2 mins, then stir in the parmesan and lemon juice, and cook for 1 min more. Serve the pasta straight from the pan, or tip into a large serving bowl. Scatter with parsley, if you like, and extra parmesan.